[Cali_MSport]

Hi everyone my name is Chris. i have a 2011 F10 with an N52N motor is what the dealers says but searching various vin decider sites has produced results stating my motor is an N52T? I don't know the difference but I guess i will assume the dealer know best. Anyways the car has a rattling noise coming from the intake. I assume this is the DISA VALVE thats failing. I wish to replace both disa valves left and right but they are rather pricey. Has anyone gone with aftermarket disa valves or know of a decently made aftermarket brand for these? Should I just wait til I have the money to buy original from the dealer ? My car is down now because I don't want to drive it and take the chance of having the pin fall down into the motor. Any advice ia greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your time

[ezaircon4jc]

[Cali_MSport]

Thanks for the reply
I haven’t seen the kit available
For the 2011 528i and I’m having problems determining exactly what engine I have dealer says N52N but looking up my Vin number on numerous sites they all claim my engine is N52T. I’m
Kinda confused about that so don’t know for sure which is correct and if it even matters

[Blue Angel]

Go to RealOEM and enter your VIN. It should identify your particular build and engine, and only offer you part numbers that fit. It will also show you exploded views of the parts assemblies which can help visualize where they go and how they are installed.

[Cali_MSport]

Thanks for the advise I'll do that. Seems to me there's not a lot of interaction on this forum lately which is sort of disappointing. I get it everyone is probably tired of answering the same questions from newbies. I've owed 7 beamers in the past 2 years 4 of which I still own currently. I try to do as much work as possible on my own but I still don't know answers to questions like I asked on this thread. About aftermarket disa valves whether they are decent quality or is oem required. Of the cars Ive had this is the first time dealing with a disa valve issue. I did search the forums some before posting but was hoping to hear from a few members who used some eBay or Amazon disa valves and the experience they've had with them. Sorry for my lack of knowledge, mechanic work was never my speciality. I worked in paint and body most of my life so that's what I know about mainly but I'm trying and I do appreciate it when you guys offer advice so to those who do take their time to help us lesser informed members I'd like to give you a great big and sincere THANK YOU !

[95blkmax]

2011 was the only year of the F10 in which the 528 carried over the E60's N52, so yes it sounds right. 2012 it was replaced by the N20.

Put it this way, if you do NOT have a turbo on your 2011 engine... it's an N52. Also, the turbo engines have a solid intake manifold (both N20/ N55/ N63) whereas the N52 did have a 3-stage variable intake manifold (controlled via the two DISA flaps). So it all seems right that you have an N52 (arguably the most reliable engine BMW ever made too!!!).

I wish I could help but no experience here with aftermarket Disa flaps. BUT a good alternative (if they make it) would be to call Advance Auto Parts and ask them if Worldpak makes aftermarket DISA valves. Give them your part numbers for reference if needed. The times I've used worldpak parts in the past they've worked out great! Just dont know if they make Disa flaps.

The other option if money is tight, is to buy used low mileage flaps. If cheap enough, it may be worth taking the gamble

[Cali_MSport]

Thank you I will check with world pak. There is zero doubt that I have the 6 cylinder non turbo N52 motor in my F10. My confusion is the the dealer claims I have N52N motor while many sites I've entered
My vin number into state that my motor is an N52T. I don't know if these are different or use any different parts at all. I've heard of "TU" Technical Update being used but never heard "T" or "N" before . This is where I'm uncertain how to proceed

[Blue Angel]

You may have no choice but to pull the valves and get the part numbers.

[Cali_MSport]

I think you are correct. I checked on real oem site and the valve I'm having a hard time confirming is part #11617560538. When looking at disa valves for sale most sites like (Turner parts and most eBay listings for instance) who sale valves with this ref / part #11617560538 claim: "This adjusting unit fits cars with N52 or N51 engine - not N52N models." I have the N52N, so this is why im confused. there is a contrasting information. Guess I will pull it first and set my mind at ease. Ive yet to ne about to locate a video that demonstrates the process on an engine that looks like mine with the black engine cover. Would the process be the same basically as with the silver cover ?

[Blue Angel]

I would think so. I think the LCI cars have the black cover but I doubt there's any difference in the intake manifold.